Princesses At Play

Cricut Machine

2010-05-11T15:04:00.003-06:00

I give the girls an option every year to get a large gift or have a birthday party with their friends. Their birthdays are 2 days apart so we usually combine their parties. They almost always choose the large gift. This year they wanted a cricut paper cutter (and we got a great deal on one). We only have one cartridge, and it doesn't work without a cartridge, but I can see how it will be tons of fun once we get a couple more. I really like it! It will be great for school projects as well.

Anyway, as if that wasn't enough, cricut has come out with a CAKE DECORATING machine. How cool is that? It cuts frosting sheets and fondant. I'm in love. Anyone want to go in on it with me someday?

Cricut Cake Cutter

Personalized M and M

2010-05-11T14:06:00.002-06:00

My Mother-in-Law mentioned on Sunday that I hadn't blogged in a while. Yes, this is too true! I have been way to busy to think about blogging, but I do enjoy it, so here I am back from my blogging vacation with this fun site I found.

How fun and unique would this be for a wedding or anniversary?

Personalized M&Ms

Cute Baby

2010-02-21T16:09:00.005-07:00

I was so excited to get my hand crocheted photo pod in the mail. When it came, it looked like a giant hat, really... it looked like a hat for the jolly green giant. No offense to giants of course. We tried and tried to stretch that thing around cute little Halle, but it would not stay and her poor little toes were getting stuck in the holes. It really did not live up to any of my expectations. So basically $30 crumpled up and flushed down the toilet. Unless of course, you know any giants who would like to buy it. It's probably more for babies that are just born and have their legs all curled up to their body still. She was only 2 weeks old though. Sheesh!

As a bonus, I did find $100 in my camera bag from Christmastime, so I guess I came out ahead.

Luckily, her Mom was showing me a cute gift someone made her (the tutu) and it worked out better than the pod idea. Poor baby probably hated me by the time it was all over. She was a good sport!

I'm jealous of all of her beautiful black hair, isn't it lovely?!

Vinegar, the Wonder Cleaner

2010-02-20T08:44:00.004-07:00

We use vinegar for almost every cleaning task in our house... bathrooms, kitchen, dishwasher, mopping, laundry, washing fruits & veges, etc etc... It's super cheap, costs about $5 a year and we put it in spray bottles in every bathroom and in the kitchen. We store 6 or 7 gallons in home storage because it's easy to get and so inexpensive (around $2 a gallon at Walmart).

I did a search last night to see how much to put in laundry loads and I came across this article from Reader's Digest. It's truly amazing the 173 uses for vinegar. The smell is very strong, of course, but the best part is your kids won't be breathing in harmful cleaning chemicals ever. If they use vinegar to clean the temple, then it's good nuff for me!

Reader's Digest Vinegar Article

New Look

2010-02-01T09:56:00.003-07:00

I hope you like the new header. I had a designer do it for me. Her name is Amy and her company is Green Lily designs. I follow her blog because she has such fun things and I love to look at them! Her design work is so great and she was super patient with me. Now if I could only figure out how to take off that black box behind it, I'd be in business! The pink is going to change tomorrow to a darker color :).

Red Winter Beauty Princess Costume Giveaway

2010-01-21T21:03:00.002-07:00

It's time for another giveaway! This time it's at Mom Reviews and I'm giving away a Winter Beauty Costume. You'll love the new design. This dress would be great to give your child as a Valentine's Day gift or just for a fun dress up!

Baby Pods

2010-01-21T18:20:00.002-07:00

I saw these on Stephmodo. Aren't they darling? They are "pods" that are crocheted. I had to have one for my photography supplies, don't you think? I got the last off white one, but I'm loving the green one too.

Don Wanna Lose You

2010-01-16T21:11:00.003-07:00

With our 2 year old's birthday coming up on Friday and preschool coming up in the fall, I have been waxing sentimental. He is moving up to a toddler bed and it will be the first time we have taken the crib down because there will be no baby to fill it in the near future. We keep waiting until my health improves to have our last child, but I am impatient and most likely it's going to be a long space in-between our last 2 children.

Anyway, it gives me more time to spend with our youngest when the older children are at school. He's my little buddy and loves to go out and run errands. Right now, his favorite thing to do is puzzles and he will sit for a really long time putting each one together. Some of the puzzles are really hard for his age, but he seems to catch on really fast.

He has been very clingy to me lately. If someone wants to help him with something, he won't let them, and says, "Mommy do it!" If someone is sitting next to me he squeezes in so he's touching me more than they are. There was someone crying on TV and he said, "He's crying cause he miss his Mommy". Today he was sitting on my lap with his sippie cup of milk and he leaned his head back on my shoulder and said in his sweetest voice, "Mommy, I don wanna lose you." I said I could never lose him because he's my boy and that seemed to calm him a little. When I asked him if he would stay two for me he said, "yeah" because I don't want him to grow up too much.

I love my little gentle boy and cuddle bug. I hope he stays that way for a long time, even after he's 3! Happy Birthday Buddy!

Thinking BIG

2010-01-15T13:09:00.003-07:00

Wouldn't this 19 inch digital photo frame look stunning on my wall? Since I pay $50-$100 to get a large print of our family every year, this will pay for itself in no time, don't you agree?

STOMP

2010-01-14T10:37:00.002-07:00

Last night we went out to dinner at Four Season's Hot Pots in Provo with Steve's parents, one of our favorite hole in the wall type Chinese restaurants.

Then after that, Steve's brother and sister in law gave us tickets to Stomp for Christmas and we went with him and his family as well as Steve's parents. It was a blast! Basically what they do is take common construction site objects and make amazing beats and music using things like garbage cans, brooms, plastic bags, as well as their bodies having a clapping and slapping frenzy...you get the picture...

There is no talking, but they make it really funny in parts. I think I'm 1/2 deaf now though as it is REALLY loud.

We enjoyed it and it was nice to go out and do something fun!

All You Need is Love

2010-01-11T10:18:00.002-07:00

I saw these Beetles finger puppets on a post on Twitter (from etsy). Hee Hee, they made me laugh out loud! Someone out there is very creative.

Cinderella Princess Costume Giveaway on Tea Rose Home

2010-01-08T08:28:00.005-07:00

I love the blog Tea Rose Home. It's a sewing blog and I'm not very good at sewing, but I love the projects she does. Sachiko takes something inexpensive and makes it look fancy. She's amazing! I have decided to try out being a sponsor for My Cute Dressups on her blog and we'll see how it goes. To kick off, I'm doing a giveaway for a FREE Cinderella dress here: Tea Rose Home so check it out!

Also, on the radar, new styles of dress up clothes coming February 1, just in time for my birthday!

Blentec, My One & Only Love + Green Smoothie Goodness

2010-01-06T10:20:00.005-07:00

After 9 months of using my mother's 1970's yellow and brown blender for fruit smoothies every day, I was in total shock and awe of my new toy that came in the mail yesterday. I used it last night and I was so impressed! It turns off automatically when it is done and has a 2 horse power motor, neigh...

I sold a bunch of my kitchen appliances and used a credit I had for Christmas to buy this puppy (I even made $150 more than what the blender cost me). It was well worth it and I'm excited to make dairy free ice cream in it! It also does whole food juices, grinding wheat and grains, smoothies, hot soup, bread dough, fondue, salsa, shakes, dips, and so on.... I have a lot more room in my pantry as this replaces a lot of big appliances.

I did find a great deal on it. It's usually $399, but I found it for $319 with free shipping at EverythingKitchens.com

My neighbor also gave me a good recipe for a green smoothie. I thought it would taste, you know... green and earthy, but it was good! The girls drank nearly my whole smoothie if that tells you anything.

3 cups fresh squeezed oj. I used the kind in the carton.
1 POUND of spinach (whoa baby!)
1 banana

I'm going to try to add ice in the next time I do it, because it taste's better when it's cold. You could probably drop the oj to 2 1/2 cups and do 1/2 cup ice.

Blend...

Anyone want to come over and have a blending party with me :).

Christmas with the Grumps

2009-12-30T15:15:00.007-07:00

I'm not sure why, I'm sure I've raised them better, but our kids just don't get excited about things. Like when we told them we were going to Disneyland they just stared in confusion at us.

This Christmas was no different. While they got a lot of exciting gifts, there was no shouting, there was no jumping up and down. The best we could get was a feeble smile and a thank you. It's not that our kids don't like what they got, they just aren't excitable like I remember being when opening my presents on Christmas.

Hilights were an American Girl doll, a baseball set, puzzles, and a doll stroller. And glitter balls. After all the hundreds of dollars that were spent, it was the $5 glitter balls that took the cake. Go figure.

The baseball set was a big hit with our little slugger. Now he can stop using the rolling pin and any other like item as a bat. I'm not sure why, but I have this weird affinity for jammies with the feet in them. I call them footie jammies, not sure if that is the correct term. Anyhow, when I see my kids running around in them for a minute I'm reminded how lucky I am that they are still young. Maybe secretly I think they'll stay that way forever and not become teenagers.

We also had the kids make gifts for each other which was fun. M. made K. a Dora pillow and matching blanket, hand sewn.

The American Girl doll

Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Yes, it is a miracle, we all wore red this year despite my husband's near hatred of the color. He had nothing green that was not in the laundry.

While Christmas has come to an end I'm still listening to Christmas songs in the car just hoping it will last a little longer!

Recent Reads

2009-12-30T12:02:00.004-07:00

This has been a strange book month. Some were really good, some were ok, and others were disappointing.

I loved this book, perfect for capturing the Spirit of Christmas.

Next on the list is Inkheart. I actually really liked it although it started off kind of slow and I was confused about what was going on. About a quarter through the book it got exciting and the rest was good. It was kind of Harry Potter/Fablehaven-ish. I found it on the "clean" list at the Provo Library. There were a couple swear words though. Apparently it's a trilogy, I did not know that... as well as a movie.

(no photo available)

Third, Fine Old High Priests. This is one we're reading for our neighborhood Book Group. I wasn't that thrilled about it at first, but it worked itself out and it was quite a good book with a good message about friendship and religion.

Fourth, Map of the World, from Oprah's Book Club. It was so intense I couldn't sleep at night after reading it and I had nightmares about the story line. The book was extremely well written and exciting, but it's one of those books where I wanted to re-write the ending. I had been so invested in the book I felt let down at the end. The (bad) language in it is terrible as well, be warned. I don't know, I think if I had the chance to unread this book I would. Haunting...

Fun in the Snow

2009-12-28T09:18:00.003-07:00

The first snow is always so fun. The kids went outside to build an igloo and came back in about 30 minutes later with their red cheeks and shivering and decided to build a mini igoo! They forgot to bring their scarves back in and now they are outside growing icicles.

Kids Christmas Outfits

2009-12-28T09:12:00.006-07:00

My mother in law gets Christmas and Easter outfits for her grand kids each year and this year's outfits were so adorable!

The poser.

We're just glad he's wearing a tie.

Love the black skirt!

Christmas Dance Recital

2009-12-28T09:05:00.003-07:00

The girls had their December dance recital this year at a new dance studio called Academy of Ballet. We originally chose it because it was next to the hubby's job and he could shuttle them home, but his office has now moved to Salt Lake. It's a nice studio, but I miss Kim's dance studio. It was a little more fun and not so serious for the little ones. This was like a pre-recital to get ready for the real one with real ballerinas in the Spring. Our oldest daughter does well at ballet so we thought this would be a good place for her.... we'll see...

I {heart} Disneyland

2009-12-26T10:21:00.013-07:00

We had a lovely time in Disneyland. It was lovely because it was rainy and we didn't have to stand in line and it was lovely because we had 5 days together with no interruptions, no work, just fun. I really wanted to go to Disneyland once during the Christmas season to see the decorations and the rides. It did not disappoint. It was lovelier than ever.

This is what the baby looks like after a long day of driving. We got him undressed and in his PJs without a peep. He loved everything at Disneyland, even the Matterhorn. He was quite the trooper! The only thing he didn't care for is seeing the characters up close. We had to force him to be in the pictures with them!

Love the mouse ears and Mickey's toon car.

Grandma gets sick on the tea cups.

Little Boy Heaven.

Little Girl Heaven.

Wish Lists...

Disneyland Christmas Parade and Fireworks. This is Princess Ariel and prince Eric. I love Ariel's dress!

Dinner at Ariel's Grotto is a hilight. If you wonder how rainy it was while we were there, check out the girls jeans, wet up to the knees, but nary a complaint we heard! They weren't able to wear their princess dresses this time to the dinner because the rain was so bad, they would have been soaked through and freezing. M.'s boots got ruined because they stayed wet for 4 days and mildewed. She said her feet were dry though, the rest of us didn't have that luxury.

Spelling Bee Buzz

2009-12-26T09:33:00.009-07:00

Ok, so I'm a little late on the blogging thing. I have a good excuse though: I was selling at 3 holiday boutiques, a vacation to Disneyland, and a site My Cute Dressups, ebay, and Amazon stores that quadrupled Christmas sales from last year.

We were SO proud of M. who won her 3rd grade class Spelling Bee and then competed in the school-wide bee. If you know how shy she is, you know this is a huge accomplishment to stand up in front of the whole school with teachers and actually say something into the microphone (I think she was the shortest one there.... sorry, you got that from me). She did extremely well and beat out at least 1/2 of the competition, even older kids. There were 9 students left when she got out. The word she missed was "quarantine" which she spelled, "courantine".

It was a proud moment for our family seeing her up there (she's the one up at the microphone)!

What Ellipticals Are For

2009-12-01T15:41:00.004-07:00

We just got a jump on New Years resolutions by resolving to exercise and we purchased a used elliptical exercise machine on KSL. I have used it twice (it was awesome, I loved it--way better than a treadmill) and Steve hasn't used it at all, he's waiting for the TV to arrive to give him motivation or an excuse for another TV, who knows?

Most of all (like every other hanging area or surface), it's main purpose is a dress up hanger. Pretty creative, eh? I don't know why, it just makes me smile on the inside when I walk downstairs and see all of those hanging there. Hee hee.

I just purchased $1500 of Little Adventures seconds at 1/2 price and I'm not sure where to put them all. It was literally 8 giant boxes full of stuff. Hopefully they will all sell at the Battlecreek Boutique I will be selling at and I won't have to worry about where to keep them!

Christmas Boutiques

2009-11-26T13:10:00.004-07:00

My Cute Dressups (aka-"I") will be at 2 boutiques this Christmas season and will be having an amazing sale: fancy dresses will be $13 off and will be selling for $24! The first Boutique is the Spanish Fork Christmas and Gift show at the Spanish Fork fairgrounds just off main street. We are all set up and ready to sell like crazy to 20,000 attendees. Come and get all of your Christmas shopping done there. I got a sneak peek of about 1/2 of the booths there and I saw some really unique, fun, and interesting things. This event is Friday and Saturday only.

Then, as if that wasn't enough fun, be at Battlecreek Boutique in Pleasant Grove 3 days later. We will be showcasing our girls princess dresses at this boutique. A fun new addition we will have at Battlecreek is our reversible pettiskirts. They come in various sizes and are a great dress up or skirt to wear over leggings or jeans. They are machine washable like all of our other dress up clothes. There will be some great dress up bargains here as well. Our traditional and fancy dresses will be selling for $24 and the flip slips are marked down from $36.99 to $18.50!

Come say hi and get some great Christmas gifts.

Incidentally, if you are considering ordering costumes, please do it soon. Little Adventures is nearly out of all of their main dresses. I have a small stock of everything, but it will soon be sold.

Better Late Than Never

2009-11-19T13:27:00.010-07:00

I know I'm nearly a month late, but our kids were healthy for Halloween which is cause for celebration. Not to mention it's the only Halloween I can remember when it hasn't been frigid in Utah.

This is the day before Halloween. KK and I being the only ones not sick.

Here is KK dressing up for dance class. She is ticked because I had the nerve to make her wear a slip underneath.

5 minutes later, this is what she looks like (I gave in ok!), notice the difference in facial expressions!

After the flu, ear infection, and Pnemonia, M. is experiencing a miraculous recovery to go trick or treating.

Here's the boy that HATES to dress up, hate is not a strong enough word (hence the red eyes). I bought him a $40 Cars costume at the Disney Store that he refused to wear, and he wanted the $3 one from Savers. Well, he didn't actually "want" it, we forced it upon him as he was kicking and screaming. He was fine once he was getting candy. Instead of "trick-or-treat" he would say, "Gimme a treat". I suppose when you're 2 you can get away with that. I wonder if I could get away with that at 33. I have this thing for Butter Fingers. Anyway, I had to chase him around with the camera for this photo.

And last but not least is the entire family. I wish I could be Snow White every day, but I'll have to settle for once a year. If you were to peek under my dress you would find I'm wearing my favorite jeans and tennis shoes :). Steve is a Ghostbusters guy which was quite the hit in the Mormon hood.

Can't you just see what Cookie Monster is thinking in this picture? Get this stinkin' costume off of me! Now! While we all look like the happy family in this picture, what you can't see is that all 3 kids were fighting over Toto just a few minutes before.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

2009-11-19T12:50:00.003-07:00

Nothing says Thanksgiving (to me) like turkey and cranberry sauce. I love cranberries, even the canned ones. But if you have never tried a homemade cranberry sauce, you are missing out! It's so easy to make and makes the house smell like the holidays. Here's a good recipe I found on allrecipes.com. Did you know you can freeze cranberries for up to a year, so stock up now while they are on sale? I halved this recipe because it was just for our family and we have been enjoying it for a couple days. The cinnamon sticks make the house smell so nice too!

Oranged Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries
1 orange, zested
3 cinnamon sticks
2 cups orange juice
2 cups packed brown sugar

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, orange juice, and brown sugar. Add enough water to cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for sweetness, and adjust with additional sugar if necessary. You can not overcook, so continue cooking until you have a good thick consistency. Let mixture cool, then refrigerate in a covered container.

Recent Reads

2009-11-17T16:36:00.005-07:00

I have a dirty little secret. I love to read. ALOT. I stay up way too late reading mostly because I get sucked in and can't quit until I fall asleep or finish the book. Sometimes the hubby has to remind me that the stories are "not real" because I get so involved like they're really happening! These are some of the fun books I've read this month.
Dairy Queen, a cute little book, and something different to read.
My sister in law Kim recommended this book and I read it in a day (I did have the flu and couldn't move without hugging the toilet bowl, so I had a good excuse, ok). It was really good and gave me some good ideas for food storage and preparedness!
Rashi is a Jewish scholar and I enjoyed learning more about him and his family. The Jewish religion is so fascinating with all of their rituals and their hardships in world history. This is a series of 3 books, but beware of the "romance" factor of these books, it's pretty graphic.
I loved this book. It was witty and fun with a surprise ending. Do I like Cinderella's step-sisters now? I think maybe I do.
Haunting and distressing, but a good read because of it! I can't stop thinking about the love triangle in it, it's driving me nuts! I loved this book and it's sequel "Catching Fire"

We read Freakonomics for Book Group and had a very lively discussion on it. It's basically a spin on traditional statistics and interesting comparisons on society that you wouldn't naturally think of. I liked the chapter on Parenting the best, but the whole book was interesting, but I wasn't crazy about some bad language and the writers style.

I have also read a book on stress relief and how to run a small business, but I didn't think you'd be as interested in those :).

Wanna Watch a Show

2009-11-16T15:34:00.002-07:00

I love the street signs all lined up in a row as he's transfixed by Dora. Can you say one track mind? Now, how do I turn off the record that's always saying, "Mom, wanna watch a show, Mom, a show, Mom show, show Mom and including other various terms that may be heard at our house on any given day.

Our Newest Family Pictures

2009-11-16T15:25:00.004-07:00

I loved this year's pictures we took at Thanksgiving Point. They were probably my favorite ever of my kids. Steve had laser hair removal on his beard and was all stubbly so we decided not to be in the pictures this year. Who cares what we look like anyway :).

Ahhh.. The Joys of Parenthood

2009-10-27T21:08:00.003-06:00

Me: Megan go watch a movie for your quiet time.
Megan: There's nothing we like to watch. Whining ensues...
Me: You have like a 100 videos, go watch one.
Megan: But one of them has a bad word in it
Me: Thinking to myself: Oh no! What movie do we have that has a bad word in it?
Megan: It's the Berenstein Bears one.
Me: This piques my interest because if you've ever watch one of these shows, it's on the extreme of clean and family friendly. So, I ask, what word is it?
Megan: Well, (getting nervous) they say "stupid".
Kaylee: Yeah, they say stupid.
Me: At this point I'm holding back a laugh big time and somehow say, you better not watch it then, that's pretty bad.

I look at Steve and just crack up when they aren't looking. I know some day we our kids will discover worse words, but I'm glad they think stupid is so bad right now!

Add 6.4 Years to Your Life

2009-10-11T17:36:00.000-06:00

Just by flossing daily!

http://ask.doctoroz.com/question/flossing-reduce-aging

Target... How do I love thee?

2009-10-07T16:09:00.001-06:00

Let me count the ways... well... the newest way. Our local Orem Target is now doing price matching! That means you can take in your ads from other stores and get the same prices at Target. Talk about one stop shopping! Plus, check out the clothing clearance, I just got 3 shirts for under $3 each.

Tee Hee

2009-10-07T13:14:00.004-06:00

I hardly ever get amused when browsing my local classifieds website, but as I was looking for a costume for the boy who hates costumes ( I know I know, what's wrong with me!) and came across this 8 foot costume! Doesn't this just make you want to spend your last $100 on it, it's hilarious!

See the ad here:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=8193790&lpid=4&cat=442

Hunger Games

2009-10-05T08:56:00.001-06:00

Whew! I'm addicted to this book. Very exciting. I can't wait until I get the 2nd book at the library. Only 74 people need to read it first :).

Wednesday Wars

2009-10-04T12:27:00.002-06:00

I thoroughly enjoyed my latest read, Wednesday Wars. It was a pleasant book for a change!

NO... N-O-N

2009-09-24T17:56:00.004-06:00

Kaylee was trying to take something from Matthew (age 2) and he was quite distraught. She said, in her sweetest voice, "Matthew, can I have that?" He screamed, "NO!" and then spelled out N-O-N. I guess he's a genius, he's already spelling words, even if they are wrong.

The Alchemist

2009-09-22T08:17:00.002-06:00

I just finished The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It was.... I'm not sure... interesting and thought provoking, with an unexpected ending. I think it would be a good one for book group and the discussion that insues.

It's a Record!

2009-09-21T18:36:00.003-06:00

So my company has been around almost a year now and I enjoy it a lot! I made a goal this year to get 7 orders on My Cute Dressups each week. I did pretty good throughout the year. I mostly made the goal every time, except for one week in the winter I didn't have any orders. This week I had 23 orders! Maybe all of that article writing is paying off.

My ebay store is going ok, steady and strong. I had to go and change all of my listings so now it's slower than usual because I had to start over on many of them. But, overall I'm pleased with the progress there.

THIS IS WHERE I NEED SERIOUS HELP!

I am disappointed because Amazon just emailed and said sellers have to make 25 sales or more by November 1 or they will be kicked off until after Christmas. The reason I started the store is so I could be around for Halloween and Christmas. I've been on Amazon for about a month and have 9 sales. It will be a close call and I'm worried I'm not going to make it. The problem is when you are new on Amazon, they put you down on the very bottom until you prove yourself and make sales, but it's hard to make sales when you're number 100 on the rankings, sometimes I can't even find my listings. I need a good incentive for people to order on Amazon. Does anyone have any good ideas for a contest or a coupon? I would feel more comfortable if I could get 10 more sales. Let me know what you think! I need serious help!

Tender Mercies

2009-09-20T08:45:00.003-06:00

It was nearly 5 years ago that my favorite talk was given in General Conference, called Tender Mercies of the Lord by David A. Bednar. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about how many times I have received tender mercies.

The other day I was complaining because Steve works long hours and then has bishopric "stuff" 3 days a week. It's hard on a young family to hardly see their Dad. Immediately after I vocalized that complaint, something popped into my head from when I was a teenager.

When I was a teenager I wanted everything for my future life that I didn't have then. I wanted a husband who was worthy to be a Bishop (yes, I actually wished for that!), I wanted a big house with nice things, and I wanted to be financially stable. As you can imagine, financial times were always tough with a single Mom. And I wanted 5 great kids. While that may not happen because of my health issues, I do have 3 great kids. I'm always amazed with our not so perfect parenting that our kids are so obedient!

Anyhow, I realized that I had received everything I wanted and I was complaining about it. How ungrateful is that?

I guess I am even thankful for my illness, which is a struggle every day, but has taught me how to be closer to the Lord. He has made many weak things become spiritual strengths in my life. I feel a lot of guilt sometimes because I can't do things like I used to before I became sick, but so many times I am reminded that if I am doing my best, that's all that matters.

Lehi and His Family

2009-09-19T09:40:00.003-06:00

This year I have really grown to love to read the scriptures every day. Not that I didn't like it before, I just didn't make it a priority.

I don't go to Sunday School and Relief Society any more because I am the Nursery Leader, so most of my Gospel instruction is on my own. I finished the D&C a couple days ago which I really enjoyed and I decided to read the Book of Mormon again. I have read it so many times, I always wonder if I will learn anything new "this time", I think I won't and then the Lord proves me wrong. Just in the first few verses I learned something!

I guess it just dawned on me that Lehi had lived in Jerusalem his entire life (his home, family, friends, business, and memories were all there) and how difficult it would have been to just pack up, leave, and then live a Bedouin lifestyle which was totally foreign to him and his family. They went from being respected to living in a tent in the desert. It had to be hard! Of course, the Lord sent him a vision and helped him and his family in numerous ways. But, it was just eye opening to me because I ask myself if I would be willing to do the same if I were in his shoes?!

Here is a beautiful painting of Lehi by one of my favorite artists. His daughter was a roommate of mine at Ricks (now BYU Idaho) Lehi in Jerusalem by Del Parsons depicting Lehi preaching in his home land

The Smoking Apple

2009-09-13T19:24:00.002-06:00

Steve and I went out to dinner before the adult session of Stake Conference and we didn't really have a lot of time, so we wanted to go somewhere quick that wasn't quite "fast food". We really enjoyed the Smoking Apple (BBQ) Restaurant in Lindon. Of course, many of the yummy things had milk in them so I couldn't eat them, but the owners were really nice and we enjoyed the food. Anyway, the meals were around $7 and the meat came with 3 sides, so it was a lot of food.

Try it out sometime!
70 N. State St
Lindon, UT 84042

Sisters Last Forever

2009-09-11T16:36:00.003-06:00

While the girls were doing playdough (I probably spelled that wrong), this is what I heard:

Kaylee: Megan do you still love me?
Megan: says nothing (...typical)
Kaylee: I love you
Megan: Do you love me more than your friends?
Kaylee: Yeah, you're my sister and sisters last forever, right Megan?
Megan: Right.

I wish I had a sister, that was so cute!

Savings at Savers

2009-09-04T22:01:00.004-06:00

I got some great 1/2 price finds at Savers today because of those nifty silver tags. I love thrift stores. I love that we have several within miles of our house. It's not like we can't afford to buy new stuff, I just like bargains. I love yard sales and I buy a whole bunch of stuff I don't need at them.

So, at Savers, I got a really ugly gray metal table for $4 that I will then beautify with white spray paint to use at the corn maze for my laptop. I also got hangers, baskets, toys, and a whole cart full of winter clothes for the kids including Gymboree, GAP, and Old Navy fashions. All for $60! Did you know if you donate items to Savers you get a 30% off coupon for next time. AND if that wasn't enough fun... Monday is 50% off everything day. I decided I didn't want to go though, because, well, while I like Savers, I hate crowds. There is one downside, I probably bought something with a stain or a rip in it. It happens. And I have allergies from dust getting in my nose. Achoo!

Boggle

2009-09-04T21:58:00.001-06:00

Why can't I win Boggle? It's driving my crazy that I can't beat my husband at this game! It really shouldn't bother me, but it does. Since I can't beat him, can anyone tell me how to cheat?

Ok, This is Getting Corny

2009-09-02T19:13:00.003-06:00

In a few weeks, I will be eating, sleeping, and dreaming corny dreams. I'm so excited to have been selected as a vendor at this year's Thanksgiving Point corn maze. I will be there for 5 weeks selling my Little Adventures costumes and hope to meet some spooky critters and scary ghosts. While those things are simply frightful, the most terrifying thing will be wind and rain. I don't want a repeat of the weather Princess Festival, ok?!

No Sleep for Us

2009-08-31T08:09:00.006-06:00

We're a bunch of sickies around here (except for Kaylee and I-a small miracle to tell the truth!). Megan had it first and had the worst of it, so much so that she ended up in the hospital for 3 days because she couldn't breathe.

Didn't anyone ever tell the nurses that you need sleep to heal? I think someone was coming in every 15 minutes during the night, sometimes just to scan equipment or check paper towels and toilet paper. Who cares, we're not using those in the middle of the night! Of course they're also coming in to give her medicine, and then 15 minutes later to check her temp., and then 15 minutes later to give her a breathing treatment. I woke up once when someone opened the door and didn't come in, but I had slept a whole 30 minutes! A miracle there, I tell ya. She would kick and scream in her sleep when they would come in. 3 of us had to hold her down to give her medicine. She didn't remember that when she woke up of course.

Luckily she is home now and feeling better and in a way it was kind of nice to spend quality time with her playing games, doing homework together, and watching movies or just talking. Too bad neither one of us can remember much since we were so desperately tired. She loved it though because people kept bringing her presents. I'll give her any present she wants if she NEVER goes back there again :)

First Day of School

2009-08-31T08:05:00.004-06:00

The house is so quiet now with only one at home. The girls were so excited about starting school and so cute! Kaylee's uniforms are so tiny.

Below is what Matthew wants to do when they are away: watch shows. Too bad for all of us that he can't always have his way. There's a lot of whining going on around here during the day!

Flat Leaf "Parsley"

2009-08-22T17:36:00.004-06:00

My Mom and I have been using this beautiful flat leaf parsley from the garden this year for cooking. We use it nearly every day from eggs to salmon and meat. Every time I go out there, it's just perfect and green and lush. The aroma was parsley-like and therapeutic.

So with that said, I went out to the garden today to pull some "parsley" and I pulled too hard and a carrot came out. I thought, what is a carrot doing in the parsley? I thought for a second and then in dawned on me. OOHHH! That wasn't parsley, it was carrot greens!

I hope it's safe to eat, because we ate a lot of it. My Mom said, how are we going to make salmon now? I don't know how to answer that question. It's like a part of us has died because we can no longer use our favorite ingredient. Look at the picture, you too could make the same mistake, no? The funniest part is I couldn't figure out why none of the carrot seeds had come up after planting so many of them.

Ode to Fresco

2009-08-22T17:31:00.002-06:00

Since being on the gluten and dairy free diet, fast food eating has been cut down significantly. Mostly just because I can't think of anything besides tacos without cheese that are both gluten and dairy free. While I love how I feel on the diet, I get a little tired of having the same things. BUT, today while at Taco Bell, I noticed they had a Taco Fresco that does not come with cheese and it was fantastic (well, fantastic for a taco). It was spicy and yummy and only .99 cents. Thanks Taco Bell for making my day today!

Swap Meet Louie

2009-08-21T15:21:00.002-06:00

Since the Quilted Bear thing didn't work out so well, I think I might try selling my princess dresses at a Swap Meet. A friend from California suggested it. I guess it is all the rage there. There's a new Swap Meet in Orem just off Geneva road, and a couple established ones in Salt Lake, one indoor and one outdoor. The prices are very reasonable. Have any of my loyal 5 readers ever been to one? I would love some advise!

I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane

2009-08-12T07:24:00.004-06:00

Going to Seattle (by myself) for the weekend to go to my cousin Ryan's missionary homecoming. I'm very excited, even though I'm very busy. I can soon let it all go and just leave it all behind (for a few days!) anyway.

Candy Shop War

2009-08-10T09:14:00.001-06:00

I really enjoyed this book by Brandon Mull, it was sure a page turner! I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

A Sad, Sad Weekend for Me

2009-08-10T08:58:00.003-06:00

Due to a contract issue, I am sad to say I will pull my dresses out of Quilted Bear or turn over my booth to another person. The booth was so cute and I spent weeks working on it, but it is what it is. I have spent the weekend going back and forth in my mind about whether I want to stay and no matter how I work the numbers, it won't work out in my favor. It's too bad, and I have spent a long time being emotional about it. However, if you go to Quilted Bear and you see the same booth set up, IT IS NOT MINE. Please contact me if you would like a discount. I have a whole bunch of seconds that I used on models for pictures that I am selling at a deep discount.

Next on the agenda, is an Amazon store. Check me out there there next week where I will be giving away free hair bows with all of my princess dresses!

Heritage Park

2009-08-08T11:38:00.002-06:00

Some girlfriends and I got together at a park in Cedar Hills on Thursday. It was an awesome park! There was a creek and shaded play area. Even though it was hot in the sun, it was comfortable in the shade with lots of mature trees by the creek and playground. Bring swimsuits, swim shoes, and a picnic lunch and voila! perfect day. Matthew threw a royal fit when we left, complete with kicking, screaming and jelly body (wouldn't walk). I think he liked it there :). As an added bonus, it's not far from my in-laws house in PG.

If you're interested in going there this summer or fall, here's the address:
The address 4450 W. Cedar Hills Drive.

Addiction

2009-08-05T16:07:00.002-06:00

I am kind of embarrased by my newest addiction, since it seems more like something an 8 year old boy would like... I'm hooked on the Fablehaven series!

Quilted Bear

2009-08-02T09:38:00.004-06:00

Please, please, please princesses sell at Quilted Bear. Tons of work, not a lot of space, lots on moulah, and some Build-a-Bears purchased on ebay, created the first My Cute Dressups retail space at Quilted Bear in Provo.

Bribery

2009-08-02T09:24:00.005-06:00

So, the potty training didn't work out so well. He was almost there.... But, on day 4, Matthew held it in for 7 hours and I had to take him to the doctor because he had such severe stomach cramps and couldn't stand up. He was crying hysterically for hours. After chasing him around the doctor's office for a 1/2 hour, he finally peed in the cup and we avoided having to put a tube up an undesirable location. There was no UTI or kidney infection, but the doc said to hold off on potty training for a few months. I hate failing, but, take a look at these pictures and, well, let's just say paybacks will make me feel better.... some day. The thought of doing this all over again isn't really that exciting. The BYU potty never showed up, but maybe some day if it does, Steve will want to potty train the (stubborn) boy.

I call this picture "Little Steve", except for the hand placement, of course. I think Steve grew out of that. The boxes behind are Quilted Bear stuffs (another post).

Arterial Thermometer

2009-07-21T15:00:00.003-06:00

As I was browsing the supplement section at Costco, this thermometer caught my eye. How many of you have been caught in the middle of the night taking blankets off and unzipping a sleeper on a sleeping child, lift the arm and put a freezing cold thermometer under their arm for 2 minutes? Then, inevitably, they wake up and cry for a couple hours before they can get back to sleep.

With this one, all you do is put it on the forehead and it takes about a second. It's the same kind they use at my doctor's office. My kids are pretty heavy sleepers, they could sleep through it I think.

It was $23 at Costco. I figure it's worth a good night's sleep :).

Touching Spirit Bear

2009-07-19T19:25:00.002-06:00

A friend recommended this book to me and I liked it pretty well. It taught me a lot about forgiveness. It's a youth fiction about a troubled teen and his path to recovery.

I've had an arthritis flare up, so I am not feeling so well and have been in bed all day. I finished 3 books today. I also finished Kite Runner. I feel differently about the Afghan people after reading it.

Last is the one below. It was okay. It was recommended by my doctor, but it seems like too much work for someone who doesn't have very much energy (like me).

Arizona is HOT!

2009-07-16T08:52:00.003-06:00

Whew! Don't EVER walk outside in Arizona in the summer. It is so hot there. 110 in Pheonix yesterday. We were there for a day trip. Steve went on business and I tagged along because my Mom is here and not working. We had a fun time and went out to lunch and to Harry Potter, which we really liked. We were worried we were going to miss our plane home, we didn't realize it was so long! But overall, a quick and fun trip.

A Thosand Splendid Suns

2009-07-13T17:17:00.003-06:00

I stayed up until the wee hours of the night finishing this incredible book. I'm still sitting with my mouth open in awe about it! It's different than anything I've read before and I loved the inside look into modern Afghanistan. Before I read it, I didn't think I would like the book, but I really did. I was hooked from the first couple chapters.

I am amazed how a male author can describe females so well. There is some bad language and adult content in this book, so beware.

Rise and Shout the Potty is Out!

2009-07-12T09:48:00.003-06:00

My hubby runs a BYU sports message board called CougarBoard and is a die hard Cougar fan. Since there are a kazillion bazillion people on there, advertising people want to advertise on there. Recently, a new advertiser has surfaced. We got a good laugh when the Varsity Baby people contated us about advertising the BYU Potty that plays music when a "success" has happened in the little potty.

We told them we would accept them as an advertiser, but that we would also do a product review since we (ok, there's not much we involved, mostly I) will be potty training in the next couple weeks. They accepted, and I am actually so excited to get the potty, I can't stand it! What kid wouldn't love to pee to the Cougar Fight song anyway? Ok, so maybe he won't care about that, but I think it's cool.

Quilted Bear

2009-07-09T08:40:00.004-06:00

Check out My Cute Dressups booth at Quilted Bear in Provo on August 1st. I will be there until at least February. Most of my Princess dresses will be on sale and I will have things there that are not available on the website. I am also applying the the Midvale store and am hoping to get it there too.

Timpanogos Story Telling Festival

2009-07-09T08:31:00.004-06:00

When I worked at Novell, I got into the Story Telling Festival for free and it was so fun. I love the beautiful outdoor venue with the mountains in the background. The fairytales are fun for the kids. My girls can't get enough of princesses. Maybe we can go this year. Also, Laughin' Night may be a fun date night with the hubby.

Book: Queen of Attolia

2009-07-03T11:14:00.002-06:00

I really enjoyed this page turner by Megan Whalen Turner. It's the second in a series of 3. Please tell me there's only 3 in the series and then it's over. I hate waiting for subsequent books!

Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake Squares

2009-06-28T08:21:00.003-06:00

I can't think of anything I like to eat more than cheesecake. Yum! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it and I don't think 8:30 am is the appropriate time to crave it. However, I subscribe to Martha Stewart's daily cookie recipes (I'm not sure why since I am on the no sugar plan currently. Maybe I should say I am failing at keeping up with the no sugar plan) and the emails come in the morning.

This is the recipe they sent this morning and I can't imagine that it would be anything but extremely yummy. Plus, it is a very interesting cookie, not one you'd see every day.

Three Cheers for Melting Pot

2009-06-26T13:10:00.005-06:00

I have been wanting to go to the Melting Pot restaurant in Salt Lake for years now, but every time I get the coupon in the mail, I see that it's $25 per person with the coupon (kind of pricey for our budget) and it's a 45 minute drive each way. So, I have really wanted to try it, but never have.

We decided for celebrating our belated 10 year anniversary, we could splurge and go. Especially since it's only a few miles away from Steve's office in Salt Lake. We also made it into our annual business meeting so we could write it off on our taxes.

I am so glad we did! We both LOVED it. We had a great, private seat overlooking downtown Salt Lake and the food was fabulous! It was a whole 4 course meal and took about 2 hours to eat it all. With tax, tip, and a drink we shared it ended up being $75, but for special occasions, definitely worth it.

Here's what comes in the courses:

1. Cheesy Fondue with dippers including bread, veges, and apples.
2. Salad
3. Uncooked meat (salmon, shrimp, sirloin, filet mignon) that you put in broth for 2 minutes to cook. Served with 5 yummy sauces.
4. Dessert. Can't say anything bad about melted chocolate, cheesecake, and strawberries.

Meeting Amazing Grace

2009-06-24T08:35:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading this book from my neighborhood book group. It's mostly about relationships with in-laws and is indirectly about our relationships with everyone from our spouse to our parents to our children. It is written from a religious perspective. I have to say, at first I thought it was mighty superficial, but found as I read on, the message of the book is quite profound. It's like a non-fiction written in fiction style with stories from real people. Gary Lundberg is a family therapist and Joy is a song writer with Janice Kapp Perry. They are a fun couple, but sometimes you have to turn on the "sicky sweet" filter, but that's ok.

My Favorite Foundation

2009-06-22T15:10:00.002-06:00

If there's one favorite thing I have among cosmetics, it's Max Factor foundation. As a child, it was "cute" to have some freckles on my cheeks, but as an adult, I hate all of the freckles on my face (as a teen, I frequently rubbed lemon juice on them in hopes they would fade). Apparently, they don't like me either, because they keep multiplying. A hazard of fair skin, I'm afraid. I never go in public without this makeup on and it covers really well without looking caked on. I apply it with a circle makeup sponge. It's nice because it's not runny and is in a solid form. I also have very blotchy skin and it seems to cover that up well too.

There you have it. While reflecting on the lemons on the freckles... I was thinking about how when I was a teenager, my mom used to iron my permed hair to straighten it, on the ironing board and everything. After a while, I could do it myself. Did anyone else ever do that? Just curious.

I love this photo!

2009-06-20T21:43:00.002-06:00

Sans the butterfly, I love this photo with the reflection of the family! How creative! It's from Anniemations Photography.

The Thief

2009-06-20T21:37:00.002-06:00

Loved this first book of a 3 part series by Megan Whalen Turner. Loved the surprise ending. Can't wait to read the next one, thanks Adrienne for the tip!

Velcro Curlers

2009-06-20T08:53:00.002-06:00

Hate round brushing? Try these instead. They work amazingly well, are inexpensive. And, if times get tough, they will give your kids and possibly your neighbors a good laugh.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

2009-06-19T20:37:00.002-06:00

A friend just loaned me this short true story. It is about a young school girl and how the A-Bomb that was dropped on Japan during WWII affected her and her family. It was very touching and took me outside of my tiny "box" of awareness. I guess I never thought about how much that impacted Japan, but of course it did. I guess my thoughts have always been about Pearl Harbor, but the world was deeply affected by the war and it took it's tole everywhere.

Gathering Blue

2009-06-19T20:31:00.004-06:00

I really enjoyed Lois Lowry's Youth series about a Utopian society: The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger. I am a sucker for series and for youth fiction. I read them out of order, but they were all very good! I just finished Gathering Blue and really liked crippled Kira's quest to find blue thread in a city where there was none and in the process she found out what she was made of.

T3 Flat Iron

2009-06-19T08:06:00.003-06:00

I love my T3 hair dryer and since I love it so much, I asked for the T3 flat iron for my birthday :). It's fabulous and heats up in about 30 seconds. It makes the hair look shiny and not frizzy and it glides easily over the hair. It too is made from encrusted jewels :). Apparently, they no longer have the model I bought, but they have this new wet/dry one which seems pretty cool.

T3, My Hero

2009-06-18T18:36:00.002-06:00

This week I will be posting about my favorite beauty items. I'm not sure why, I just thought of it this morning while using my lovely hair dryer. I'm kind of a plain person, but I do love a few things that make life easier and better in the getting ready in the morning department. Have I ever mentioned I am not a morning person? Well, I'm not, at least not for an hour after I wake up. Then I have no choice, it's inevitable.

The hubby may laugh at my diamond and 100% jewel encrusted hairdryer that I wanted for Christmas several years back, but when I blow dry my hair faster than all y'all, I'm the one laughing with all that extra time. Hee hee. Hey, every minute counts at this crazy house. Not to mention, I had a hairdryer blow out once a year for at least 5 years before I got this one. That was even during my wet ponytail wearing days when I hardly even used it.

I have dropped the T3 in the full bathtub in the wet sink and on the hard tile floor at least 10 times and it is still going strong with 1800 hot watts of blowing power. I never go on vacation without it because blow drying my hair seems so laborious with anything else. Not that I love drying my hair now, but it's at least tolerable. I also see that the prices have come down on it, $90, that's a STEAL! To tell the truth, you could justify the purchase because in hard financial times, you may be able to sell it to those stores that buy gold and other precious jewels. Hey, it could happen.

I love you T3.

It's Great to Be Eight

2009-06-17T08:38:00.004-06:00

Megan was recently baptized and it was such a wonderful experience for our family. On Sunday during Sacrament meeting she asked me why Brother Nelson was crying and I told her that sometimes when you feel the Spirit, it makes you want to cry in a good way. She seemed to understand that somehow. I'm not very good at explaining things!

She was lovely in her white dress and is such an amazing girl.

Nurses

2009-06-16T21:35:00.003-06:00

My Mom is home from the hospital now after 2 weeks and a painful yet life saving surgery in her abdomen to stitch an ulcer. There were some good and bad experiences at the hospital. The worst was the severe pain, loss of blood, and her not being able to eat and drink for a long time because it may compromise the stitches. However, I must say nearly all of the nurses there at the hospital were so fantastic. They work long hours and around the clock and were so cheery and optimistic. One even came to check in on my Mom on his day off! I tell ya if I didn't faint at the site of blood, or freeze in a stressful situation, I would love to be a nurse!

One other touching moment was in a man's room I walked by each time to get to my Mom's room. He was always sleeping with his mouth wide open and facing forward toward the door. Often I saw nurses in his room tending to him while he was sleeping and trying to make him more comfortable. He didn't even know they were there, yet they tended to him like anyone else. My whole time there visiting, I never saw this man conscious. One Sunday, I noticed some music coming from his room and looked in casually and there was a harpist there playing hymns. For the first time that I ever saw, he had his head turned toward the harpist. His eyes were still closed, but that little change was noticeable. It was really quite touching.

The last day my Mom was on that floor, I walked by and the man was sitting up and talking to family members. I don't know why that made me so happy, but it did!

Anyway, this whole experience makes me reflect on the little things we do. Like the times we make the effort to help someone even when we think it will go unnoticed.

2009-06-16T17:27:00.002-06:00

I just finished this book written about a well known fairytale and Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. I loved it! It was something different to read, and very clean which is a welcome change. I loved the character development and imagery. The only thing lacking a little was the ending.... too bad you can't have it all!

Life in the Hospital

2009-06-02T09:58:00.002-06:00

I just came across this photo of my Mom and I in the bean bag chair (a great memory) and was reflecting on all the great times we have had together. She is such a good Mom!

As you may know, she was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning with an ulcer on a major artery in her intestine and has been in the hospital ever since. She is still losing blood which is cause for concern and it is possible she may need surgery.

Life is so fragile and at any moment can change.

Rapunzel's Revenge

2009-05-29T07:55:00.002-06:00

I just finished Shannon Hale's Book, "Rapunzel's Revenge". I'm a big Hale fan... This one was written in comic book style. I don't think I have ever had the urge to read a comic book, but I actually liked the book ok. It was my least favorite of all of her books, however was something interesting and unique to read. I read the whole book in about 2 hours. It was nice to read an "adult" book that has pictures, the illustrations were very well done. I think this book would be a great gift for a teen girl.

Follow Up on Yesterday's Post

2009-05-28T07:12:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Megan's birthday and when she opened one of her last gifts, a bag with lots of dress up clothes in it, Matthew jumped up and down, clapped, and screamed, "YEAH, YEAH"! So I gave him a bag full of boys dress up clothes just for him and he cried "NO, NO" and wouldn't let us go near him with them. And said something resembling, I want princesses. A couple weeks ago I was content that my little boy loved Bob the Builder and Thomas the Train and couldn't care less about princesses like my girls. I know it is probably just a phase that he will grow out of when it is not socially acceptable, but it's great for a good laugh now. May also be great for bribery or wedding videos later on :).

Boys Can Be Princesses Too

2009-05-27T10:23:00.003-06:00

I was taking some photos in my back yard of Megan and her best friend, Maddie who are getting baptized on Saturday and this is Matthew (destined to be a princess, dancing machine) who came out in the middle of it all. We got a good laugh, including our neighbors who were out with their dog.

He did all of that to himself and it took quite a long time. He has a furry doll shirt around his wrists, and a mermaid doll dress on his leg as well as Kaylee's dance costume around his hands, topped off with a pink princess cone hat for effect. And a wooden stick. Not sure what the stick is for... maybe to beat anyone who tries to take off his outfit. He threw a royal fit when we tried to get that contraption off of him before bed. Luckily he also likes trains and cars. And pink nail polish.

Princess Festival

2009-05-25T09:07:00.004-06:00

I am excited to be selling my Little Adventures dress up clothes at this year's Princess Festival at Hatfieldadelphia in Lindon. I have been able to take a tour of the facility there and it is amazing. They are pulling out all the stops and it is sure to please little and big princesses alike. They are expecting over 2000 people there. My girls and their grandma's will be 4 of them! Proceeds from the festival go to their charity, In Our Own Quiet Way, so it is going to a good cause.

Check out my tent/booth at the Princess Festival where I will be selling a selection of dress up clothes and sale items. We will have special discounts for pre-ordering, so email me or comment on this post if you would like a costume.

The Princess Festival is June 8th-13th, which is also when our family vacation will be, I will most likely be hiring an employee to work there for some of the time. I will for sure be there on the first day, Monday. Please stop by and say hi, I would love to see you!

Quoteable Quote

2009-05-21T17:42:00.003-06:00

I was reading a short book my Mother in Law gave me for Mother's Day. It's called Women of Light by Jack R. Christianson. There are lots of great quotes and stories in it. I would recommend reading it as it's only about 25 pages. The following is an amazing quote in the book:

"I don't want to drive up the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, with my hair expertly coiled, and with long perfectly manicured nails. I want to drive up to the pearly gates in a station wagon {or minivan!} that has Boy Scout equipment in the back seat. I want there to be grass stains on my shoes from mowing Mrs. Schneck's lawn. I want there to be a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want there to be dirt under my fingernails from helping 4-Hers plant a garden. I want there to be children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want God to know that I was really here and that I really lived."

I write this as I forewent putting on makeup and doing my hair so I could talk to a friend before going on a lunch date with Steve and my children have black dirt under their fingernails. There's something to be said for putting others' needs before our own. It just feels good!

Another Hale Favorite

2009-05-21T09:32:00.004-06:00

My neighbor just loaned me the last Bayern book by Shannon Hale called, River Secrets. Another page turner! I can't wait for the last book to come out about Razo's sister. Does anyone know when it comes out? I haven't read, Rapunzel's Ravenge written by Hale and her husband yet, but I would like to. It's on my request list at the library. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?

Lambert v. Allen

2009-05-21T09:14:00.004-06:00

I was pleasantly surprised last night when Chris won American Idol! I was getting a little creeped out by Adam the last couple weeks. I love it when the underdog wins too! Chris genuinely looked surprised himself. I bet all the 6 year olds that are in love with him are happy too. Did the fact that his fans are so young stun any of you like it did me?

I liked the whole show last night. It was a good finale except for those obnoxious boots the band "KISS" was wearing. Adam included... they gave me a good laugh.

This was the best picture I could find, but those 12 inch platform boots were stylin'. I wish I had some. Kiss scares me, talk about creepy!

Dance Recital 2009

2009-05-16T17:34:00.003-06:00

My girls just had their annual dance recital. It was so fun to see them improve from last year and they did a great job, even in front of all those people which is a daunting task for my shy kids. It was a grueling day of makeup, fixing hair twice and chaperoning to and fro from event to event. Here's a photo of the both of them. Yes, those are Little Adventures dress ups. Their teacher, Miss Kim bought them independently and then found out later that I sell them!

AustenLand

2009-05-15T07:59:00.004-06:00

I know reviews have been less than kind with this book. But, I am a huge Shannon Hale fan and have read all of her books. I actually liked this one and thought it was interesting. However, I found it to be quite unrealistic compared to her other books (funny that I can say that about fantasy books starring teens with special powers) and felt like it was slightly disjointed. It still was a fun read. I was actually pulling for the gardener!

Elaines French Bakery

2009-05-08T15:08:00.004-06:00

My sister in law told me about a bakery by her house that is really great. I really can't pass up a good bakery, so I went to check it out. I had an excuse, though, I needed an inexpensive "gift" for Kaylee's preschool teacher for Mother's Day. I am so glad I did.

It's called Elaine's French Bakery. I can't believe how amazing (and reasonably priced) this place was! I really am not kidding, they had the most beautiful eclairs, pastries, cakes, and tarts that I have ever seen. Just walking in there, the smell was amazing and the service stellar. It's a family business and the owner is a French man who is really nice, and speaks FRENCH! We kind of struck up a conversation and he said he and his two boys (ages 10 & 12) wake up at 2am so hand bake everything in the shop.

I ended up getting the Raspberry Charlotte for $3.50 and it was quite impressive looking with a ribbon around it and fresh raspberries on top. Her teacher was pleasantly stunned and I was a little bummed that I didn't buy 2. Girls night out anyone?!

Check it out. It's by Xpedx in Orem.

My issues with time...

2009-05-08T14:41:00.003-06:00

With Mother's Day arriving in a couple days, I have been thinking back on all the cute things my kids have done over the years and their unique personalities. Megan is the independent one who achieves anything she puts her mind to, Kaylee is a dreamer and the one who makes us laugh, Matthew is our sensitive and cuddly one who is always tagging along with Mom.

Anyway, with that in mind, I feel like lately I have been so worried about time and never having enough of it that I made a bold statement to myself.... I stopped wearing a watch! I guess it is kind of a symbolic step that time no longer rules me. I control what I do with it! There are still times I have to be somewhere at a set time, and we have clocks in the house and one in the car, but I don't have that reminder attached to me at all times. It's pretty nice. Don't hate me John B. (who works for a watch company)!

Mother's Day Guide

2009-05-06T12:14:00.003-06:00

I can't believe Mother's Day is on Sunday. It has been creeping up too fast! I do love flowers, but on Mother's Day, they are so expensive and only last for a few days. I prefer more creative gifts or sentiments to flowers, but that's just practical me.

I have been thinking of some affordable ideas for Mother's Day that I thought I would share.

For the reading Mom:
LDS author, Virginia Pierce's book Glimpses into the Life & Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Journalist, Cokie Robert's Founding Mothers

For the music lover Mom:
A fun and Jazzy CD that a Mom of any age would love. Thanks for the tip Steph. Amazing sax and drum playing on this CD. Getz/Gilberto

For the movie watching Mom:
Sleepless in Seattle

A gift card to a local movie theatre or tickets to a play or musical with you or with someone else.

For the cooking Mom:
I love my indoor grill pan. It would work for a "green" mom too as it has a unique teflon.

One of the "Flirty Aprons" from the University Mall (kiosk). I have a similar apron and any girl I know would love to have one. You really can't go wrong with pink and brown either.

For the jewelry loving Mom
Our local Shopko has 75% off 25K gold jewelry. I found some great earrings for $9.
You can never go wrong with a diamond stud earring or a classic, simple diamond solitaire necklace. They had some there in the $50 range as well.

Any Mom would love a new watch and Precision Time is having a Mother's Day sale. I like this one because it's simple and clean. Originally $575! Now $149.

Here's some more ideas:
A beautiful hanging basket to hang outside in the yard or deck.

A day spa gift certificate or massage. Get half price deals here

I love Sees chocolates. You can gift certificates at Costco to save around $10. If budget allows, Godiva is the best.

I am not a girl who likes things that are smelly such as lotions, soaps, candles, perfume etc. But, if your mom/wife likes these things, try Bath & Body Works. They have a lot of nice gift baskets and sets.

A lot of people are out of work right now... a beautiful hand written card with reasons why you love your mother/wife. A time in your life when your mother/wife made a difference. Maybe a honey-do coupon book is sometimes more thoughtful and better than any gift.

Good luck!

Stay at Home Moms

2009-05-05T14:29:00.004-06:00

It's official, I just saw on Good Morning America that they studied how much work stay at home Moms do, and if they were paid, they would earn a salary of $122K. If they also work from home, add $76K. Therefore, I am clearly the bread winner around here. To be honest, I think I need a raise. I look like that lady in the picture most of the time. However, she is way better dressed than I usually am!

Great Date Restaurant

2009-05-05T12:47:00.003-06:00

We recently went out to eat at Gloria's Little Italy in the center of Provo. The food and service was really good, and they had a live singer that was fabulous. All in all a great restaurant for a date. I'm loving this live in babysitter thing. Too bad for us she will have to get a job soon!

Marble Jars

2009-05-04T14:37:00.004-06:00

I have had so many friends ask about the blue marbles we have on our counter and what we use them for, so I thought I'd do a post about their miraculous powers!

For the last couple years we have instituted a simple rewards program with our kids that works amazingly well. It helps us to remember and praise the good things they do and helps us with teaching them important principals.

We have some glass marbles (the kind you might put in a vase) and a small-ish votive candle holder for each child over 3 years old labeled with their names on it. When they do something willingly, a chore, or something nice for someone else, they get a marble in their "jar". If they do something naughty or don't obey, they get one taken out. I know it sounds easy and too good to be true, but it really works for us! When they fill up their jar, they get to choose a prize from the prize box on top of the fridge or they can have $1.

The most important thing is to be consistent and stick with it. It's pretty cool for them to see that they have done 50 good things in a week or a month. As a mom, it's hard to not use negative language all the time, I find myself always saying, don't do that, stop it, that's naughty, no, you can't, etc... but this is a good way to say they did great and to actually take a little time to give them positive feedback.

It's also very effective discipline for us to say, "Don't do that or you'll lose a marble." instead of time out or other forms of discipline. Many times they will cry because they don't want to lose one, but they are learning about consequences.

When we go to the store and they have, I want-itis. I say, you can have that Barbie, but you have to earn it and it will take you 10 full marble jars to get it. They say, psh... no thanks!

I hope this helps, try it out and let me know if it works as well for you as it does for us. Hmm... just wondering if it works for husbands too?

If I Could Keep Time in a Bottle...

2009-05-02T21:38:00.007-06:00

Steve and I were on a "date" last night. Can you call it a date when you are already married?

Anyway, I expressed that I have been feeling a little spread thin lately. Previously, I had been thinking since selling the princess dress ups were going so well that I would probably stop doing photography because when fall rolls around, it will be too busy to be doing both with fall/early winter being the busiest season of the year for both of them.

However, after photographing this last wedding, I forgot how much I love the creativity of doing some type of art (I stink at drawing/painting, so no creative outlet there). I really enjoy being around people and children and being able to have a hobby that I get paid for. I love doing the photo editing as well. I feel that if I quit for a year, I will lose my "regular" clients that come to me every year.

But, with the kids getting older and getting into more activities and friends that play here at the house, I'm just spread too thin. I have been working 3 hours during nap time (thank you Matthew!) and after they go to bed for an hour or two, but it's burdensome sometimes, and with my current health problems I get really tired and worn out easily.

I know there will be a time in my life to do all of these things that I "wish" to do. Maybe when all of the kids are in school and my health has improved. I guess I just don't want to miss any of their innocent cuteness and want to be able to be more present (and awake!) while they are still young and totally adorable! What would you do if you were me?

Wedding Bells

2009-05-02T12:02:00.007-06:00

I feel privileged to be able to attend and photograph the Sutton/Woodward reception. It was beautifully decorated (above you will see a picture of a tiered cupcake stand with beautiful black and white cupcakes) and the bride and groom were lovely. The family sure knew how to "party" too, it was very fun. I left at 10pm and the dancing was still going strong!

The bride's dress was gorgeous!

Shabby Apple

2009-05-01T16:29:00.003-06:00

I was just going through my bookmarks and remembered this quirky online clothing shop that I thought was quite unique. Check it out: http://www.shabbyapple.com/. The price tags are pretty steep, but it's a fun site to look through. I really like the dress below, too bad it's wool. Maybe for fall...

They are also doing a little girl model search here. Maybe if I have time, I'll submit Megan and Kaylee.

Diapers & Divinity

2009-04-30T16:49:00.003-06:00

This was not written by me, but it is probably the best written article on Motherhood I have read. It just explains what it's like to raise young children so well. I hope you enjoy it!

Motherhood is relentless. Occasionally, it drags us to our limits. One morning last year toward the end of a long winter, I was so tired. I was awakened by my 3–year-old Clark, who literally pulled apart my eyelids and shone a flashlight directly into my eyeball. My reaction was not reverent because it woke up my one-year-old Natalie, which also triggered my morning rage. One of my potty-trained boys pooped in his nighttime diaper. And when I staggered from my bedroom down the hall into the kitchen, I found an opened tub of yogurt smeared across the kitchen floor. I’d been awake for less than ten minutes and already my dread of the day was heavy. I stepped across the yogurt, looked out the window, and saw almost a full foot of new snow on the deck. If I had the energy, I would have fallen into a heap on the floor. With my left retina burning, I began to fantasize about running away to an exotic beachfront location and sleeping in a large, luxurious hotel bed BY MYSELF. But the day called. I took a deep breath, grumbled to myself, and reached for the paper towels (and probably a handful of chocolate chips).

These are the moments where it can be a challenge (understatement of the year) to have a glowing testimony of what we have been taught about motherhood. The First Presidency once stated: “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”

The sleep-deprived, stretch-marked, unshowered side of us reacts with a tad of bitterness to such a claim. And yet, deep down inside of us there is something that knows this is true. Motherhood is divine. Now, I have only been a mother for 6 years, 3 months and 2 days—which I believe probably means I have changed 11,410 diapers-- but I am slowly gaining a conviction and understanding of the divinity in this role I have chosen. I thought I understood it before I had children, but then-- well, I had children. And I learned that I had a LOT to learn. This is what I’ve figured out so far:

1. President David O. McKay said, “Let us also teach girls that motherhood is divine, for when we touch the creative part of life, we enter into the realm of divinity.” I always thought that the creation part was mostly tied to the fact that we have uteruses and stuff, and our cells divide into lots of other cells that grow into babies, and voila!, we made a person. But remember last Fall at the Relief Society broadcast where Elder Uctdorf taught us that creation “is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come?” Well, it dawned on me (recently) that motherhood is simply creation in slow motion. We constantly mother, but it seems mundane and ordinary (in slow motion), and we don’t realize how truly powerful it is. We are literally shaping souls like clay. There are a lot of annoying details, but we are working a miracle by building children into people and instilling inside of them all of the knowledge, skills, testimony and power that they will need to make successful choices. Elder Richard G. Scott explains it like this: “As a mother guided by the Lord, you weave a fabric of character in your children from threads of truth through careful instruction and worthy example. …It is your sacred right and privilege.”

2. All those ordinary details—the diapers, the messes, the snot, the sippy cups and the tears—are really the main ingredients in what we are trying to accomplish. They are symbols of our constant, undying commitment to a cause (or a child) we believe in. They are a recurring reminder that we are still participating in this divine partnership. My Stake President recently taught, “It is in the messy chores of life that we express love.” I know it is possible—likely, even—to feel God’s love in the middle of those messy chores. Especially if we ask. (I wish I had time to talk about Mary and Martha, and how important it is to take a pause from our chores and just listen to the Savior.)

3. We have the opportunity to make our homes sacred, safe, and sanctified like the temple. Can you think of anything more divine than that? You’re the temple matron in your own home, doing all you can to make it a place filled with the Spirit of God. President Eyring urged us to be teachers there: “A wise parent would never miss a chance to gather children together to learn of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Such moments are so rare in comparison with the efforts of the enemy. For every hour the power of doctrine is introduced into a child’s life, there may be hundreds of hours of messages and images denying or ignoring the saving truths.”

That enemy also lies to us. Whenever we believe we’re a failure or that we’re doing nothing of great significance, I think he laughs. Elder Russell M. Nelson said, “Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women.” There is great power in motherhood, even in the dreary details, and our reach is crucial and eternal. The errand of angels IS given to women. Yes, there are diapers, but there is divinity. So carry on, ladies, carry on. (And there’s nothing wrong with an occasional exotic beachfront getaway.)

Stephanie is a mom of three who blogs for fun, posterity, and therapy. She seeks for the divinity in motherhood; she tries to share it when she finds it, and tries to laugh when she doesn't. She loves naps, long walks, good shoes, milk chocolate, a little sarcasm, fun trips, Latin music, scriptures, sunbeams, her patient husband, and children (especially when they're sleeping). Her blog is called Diapers and Divinity, where she is currently hosting a General Conference Book Club.

Dress up Giveaway

2009-04-28T08:15:00.003-06:00

Shout out to all of you who want a free princess dress up or boy cape. Check out the giveaway I'm doing on Mormon Mommy Blogs here

You can sign up twice if you do a blog post with my link on it.

Swimsuit Shopping, Oh My!

2009-04-27T15:06:00.001-06:00

I don't enjoy shopping for swimsuits and going from store to store and nothing fitting quite right. Then when you find something that fits right, it has an obnoxious pattern, that screams, "LOOK AT ME!" when I don't really want people to look at me when I feel half naked. In fact, I would prefer a funeral, possibly my own before shopping for a swimsuit.

Anyway, we had company that wanted to visit the Shade Clothing store and I thought I would try on a tankini since I hadn't before. The idea of baring my 3 childed midriff when I lift my arms just didn't previously appeal to me all that much, but that's all they had. Amazingly enough, the first one I tried on fit awesome! Although, I was blinded by exposing my ultra pale legs, that don't really get unpale at all during the summer, it seemed to be gathered in all the right places and is long enough to never show the belly. The skirt is more flattering than board shorts and has swimsuit panties inside. Quite pricey, both pieces were around $70, but how often do I buy a swimsuit?

Here's the top I got:

Here's the bottom I got. It doesn't appear to come in brown on the website, but they had brown in the American Fork store. They have free shipping and free returns on their suits right now, so no risk if you are out of state.

My only complaint is that it's a tad low cut, but I could easily sew in an insert. However, for a "modest" clothing store, I would expect a little more modesty!

The Secret Garden

2009-04-25T12:42:00.004-06:00

We read this book for Book Group this month and I ABSOLUTELY loved it. Can't say enough good things about it. I started reading it to my kids and Kaylee has really liked it. I read it as a child, but didn't remember very much about it. I consider it an must read as an adult!